10 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Cancun

Playa Tortugas is a relatively small stretch of sand about 6 km northeast of Cancun’s Zona Hotelera. The beach is free to enjoy all year round, and its shores are shallow enough for children to swim in. Be sure to check out the pier, where thrill-seekers get to enjoy bungee jumping from the top of a 25-meter-tall tower. There are ferries departing for Isla Mujeres from Playa Tortugas every day.

Playa Delfines is a quiet stretch of beach at the southern end of Cancun’s Zona Hotelera. You may not find tourist amenities like public showers or restaurants, but there are many thatch umbrellas along the coastline. There are lifeguards patrolling the beach during the day, but stay close to the shore if you’re planning on swimming. Playa Delfines often attracts surfers as the waves here are rougher than they are on most beaches in Cancun.

Cancun has a vibrant performing arts community and is a popular stop for national and international musicians on tour. Parque Las Palapas is a sprawling park in downtown Cancun, which has a large central stage and plaza hosting cultural fairs, concerts, and plays. On weekend evenings, you can often catch live theatre and street performances. When there’s no show, the park is still usually packed, but with joggers and cyclists, as well as locals enjoying outdoor games and picnics during the day.

Playa Langosta, located 6 km south of downtown Cancun, is a local beach that runs along Cancun’s Nichupté Lagoon. You’ll find outdoor showers, kayaks and paddleboards for rent here, as well as street vendors during the day. When you’re here, be sure to take a photo in front of the ‘Cancun’ sign, which is spelled out in vibrant letters. Families may enjoy Playa Langosta’s outdoor playground and soccer field. Couples get to explore Jardín del Arte, a beautiful garden decorated with sculptures by local artists.

Kabah Urban Park often attracts joggers with its downtown location and a running trail that runs through a 410,000 sq m forest reserve. The local park is home to native wildlife such as birds, spider monkeys, iguanas, and coatis, which you may be able to spot during your visit. There are also many playgrounds and recreational areas for picnics. Kabah Urban Park is free to enter all year round, and its lush jungles are popular among tourists looking to escape Cancun’s crowded beaches.

Mercado 28 (Market 28) is a local crafts market with over 100 stalls set along Avenida Sunyaxchen in downtown Cancun. You get to browse through beautiful handicrafts made from leather, silver and glass, as well as sunglasses and kitschy T-shirts for tourists. Henna tattoo and hair braiding services are available for a few pesos. Head to the middle of the market to find restaurants serving authentic Mexican dishes. Must-tries include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), Panuchos Yucatecos (tostadas with refried beans) and papadzules (Mayan-style enchiladas).

The El Rey Archeological Zone is an ancient Mayan site in the southern end of Zona Hotelera. The Mayan ruins reveal a civilization that was dedicated to fishing and maritime trade. After paying a $2.50 admission fee at the entrance, you get to explore more than 45 stone structures, including a temple and the burial site of an important figure. If you want to learn about the history of this ancient civilization, the Mayan Museum of Cancun is a just a few minutes away on foot.

The El Meco Archeological Site is a complex of Mayan ruins located about 8 km northeast of Cancun City. The site was once a port for Isla Mujeres, and features many stone structures built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Its centerpiece is El Castillo, one of Cancun’s tallest Mayan pyramids. Entrance to the El Meco Archeological Site cost around $3.30, which is a steal compared to most Mayan archeological sites in Cancun.

Akumal is located 110 km south of Zona Hotelera, yet still attracts beachgoers looking for a remarkable experience away from the crowded shores of Cancun. The pristine beaches alone are well worth the 2-hour drive, but it's the opportunity to go snorkeling and diving in a protected cove that makes the difference. The main village has several restaurants and dive shops where you can rent equipment. Akumal Beach is a popular nesting spot for sea turtles between May and November. If you’re lucky, you get to swim among these endangered creatures, but be sure not to touch them.